LOS ANGELES, CA.-The Los Angeles Chinese Consulate presents: "The Disappearing Cultures of Rural China", an exclusive exhibit of paintings by cultural artist, Jo Sherwood, reveals China's isolated mountain villagers and their traditional customs. This exhibition raises awareness of the many cultural treasures of China in celebration of the forthcoming Olympic Ceremonies in Beijing.

The Los Angeles Chinese Consulate will be hosting a Chinese/American Cultural Exchange Exhibition, entitled "The Disappearing Cultures of Rural China" at The Wilshire Ebell Fine Art Gallery, 743 South Lucerne Boulevard/Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California on January 19 - 20, 2008 from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Beyond Wisdom, 9x12" Oil on Linen

This exclusive exhibit of 20 oil paintings, which depict the traditional people living in China's isolated mountain villages, are by noted cultural artist, Jo Sherwood. The exhibition is presented in celebration of the forthcoming 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Driven to capture disappearing cultures that will eventually succomb to modern globalization, Sherwood's paintings reflect the tranquil beauty of the people, their customs and their daily lives. Sherwood's passion to discover these villages, meet the native people, and experience their lives as a resident artist, gives her paintings a true depiction of traditional village life.

The year 2008 will shed light on thousands of cultural treasures emanating from China. Sherwood aims to raise awareness in an effort to preserve the country's traditional cultures.

About the Artist - Born in Rotterdam, Holland in 1941. Honor Graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts, Rotterdam, Holland. Jo Sherwood has become a foremost figure, portrait, and landscape painter. She follows in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, Sebastian van der Pennen, an established oil painter in the late 1800s. Her father, also a painter, would take her to the great European museums where she would sketch from the Masters. Sherwood has continued developing her technique over the last 27 years. She is an award winning published artist whose paintings are in leading collections in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Jo Sherwood maintains memberships in the American Society of Classical Realism, Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of America and The Art Renewal Center in New York.